Leading youth is a challenge that is infinite in scope and hopeless in possibilities. Yet, many are called to that everyday. Often the people who are trying to do this are never equipped to even know how to begin, much less how to make it through the long run. That is why so many youth leaders don't last. Here are some helpful principles that I look at often.
Principle 1: Grow Spiritually Effective youth leaders are committed to personal spiritual growth through: Regular prayer, Bible study, witnessing, and fellowship Principle 2: Learn Leadership Skills Effective youth leaders improve their leadership skills by: Subscribing to youth leadership publications (and reading them!) Reading youth ministry books and websites Attending leadership-training events Being mentored by experienced youth leaders Principle 3: Nurture Relationships Effective youth leaders foster relationships by: Identifying all active and inactive youth Contacting them outside of Sabbath events Staffing their ministry properly (one leader per seven youth) Principle 4: Empower for Leadership Effective youth leaders delegate authority by: Mentoring, monitoring, and motivating youth establishing "youth councils," that give them ownership of the youth group Principle 5:Plan Effective youth leaders plan their ministry with: Spiritual/topical goals to achieve Prayer conferences and youth day worship services Budget, calendar, and regular evaluation process Principle 6: Communicate Effective youth leaders create awareness and find support for their youth group by communicating to: Church leaders, parents, and the community. Principle 7: Mobilize for Service Effective youth leaders involve youth in service. They engage them in: Church ministries, community outreach/evangelism, world evangelism |
